Multiple stage window regulator

ABSTRACT

A window regulator for sequentially operating two, substantially coplanar, separate, window panels slidably mounted within an automobile door, one of the window panels constituting a small vent, and the other window panel constituting a primary side window. Single operating means for both window panels, which is either manual or motorized, actuates the regulator mechanism through two consecutive stages of operation whereby movement of the regulator in a single direction first fully operates one window panel through its full range of adjustment, and upon such panel adjustment being completed, then operates the other panel through its adjustment range. The regulator includes a gear segment and a lever pivotally associated with each window panel. Lost motion means interconnecting the gear segment and the levers produces the sequential window regulation, and locking means are utilized with the levers to lock the window panels in desired terminal conditions.

United States Patent [191 51 May 22, 1973 Heesch [54] MULTIPLE STAGEWINDOW REGULATOR [75] Inventor: Max 0. Heeseh, Brooklyn, Mich.

[731 Assignee: Hancock Industries, Inc., Jackson,

Mich.

[221 Filed: Dec. 16, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 208,556

[52] U.S. Cl ..49/l03 [51] Int. Cl. ..EOSl 11/38 [58] Field of Search..49/48, 73, 103, 227, 49/349, 350, 351, 363

[56] v References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,659,381 5/1972 Frey..49/l03 3,670,454 6/1972 Gebhard ..49l103 2,955,817 10/1960 Campbell etal ..49/227 X Primary ExqminerJ. Karl Bell Attorney-Beaman and Beaman[57] ABSTRACT A window regulator for sequentially operating two,substantially coplanar, separate, window panels slidably mounted withinan automobile door, one of the window panels constituting a small vent,and the other window panel constituting a primary side window. Singleoperating means for both window panels, which is either manual ormotorized, actuates the regulator mechanism through two consecutivestages of operation whereby movement of the regulator in a singledirection first fully operates one window panel through its full rangeof adjustment, and upon such panel adjustment being completed, thenoperates the other panel through its adjustment range. The regulatorincludes a gear segment and a lever pivotally associated with eachwindow panel. Lost motion means interconnecting the gear segment and thelevers produces the sequential window regulation, and locking means areutilized with the levers to lock the window panels in desired terminalconditions.

15 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEWY221975 3,733,748

SHEET 1 OF 4 INVENTOR MAX 0. HEESCH ATTORNEY PATEmEm-vz 3; 733,748

SHEET 2 BF 4 INVENTOR MAX O HEESCH ATTORNEY PATENTEDHAYZZIQYS 3, 33,748

SHEET 3 BF 4 INVENTOR MAX 0. HEESCH ATTORNEY PATENTEDMZZIQYS 3,733,748

sum u [1F 4 INVENTOR MAX 0. HEESCH ATTORNEY MULTIPLE STAGE WINDOWREGULATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention pertains to amultiple stage automobile window regulator using common operatingstructure to regulate two window, panels.

In the design of automobile ventilation systems it is known toincorporate small vent windows into the vehicle window system wherebyimproved air circulation and venting may be readily achieved. Usually,the vent window is located at the forward portion of the window spaceofthe automobile front door, and the most common window vent constructionmounts the vent window upon a substantially vertical pivot axis suchthat the vent window may be pivoted between opened and closed positions.

The operation of vent windows mayinclude a direct manipulation of thewindow wherein a handle, often a pivotal locking handle, directlymounted upon the vent window frame is grasped to position the vent. Amore expensive construction entails the use of vent window regulatorsincorporated into the vehicle door employing a gearing system whereby amanually operated crank rotatably mounted upon the door interior isemployed to pivot the vent window. In more expensive automobiles ventwindow operation may be motorized and controlled by an electric switch.

For purposes of convenience, economy, space conservation, and otherfactors, it has been proposed to operate both the vent window, and thelarger primary window panel located in the same door as the vent, from acommon crank handle rotatably mounted upon the door interior. In sucharrangements the windows operate in stages or sequence, and devices ofthis type are shown in US. Pat. Nos. 2,152,055; 2,448,796 and 2,955,817.

When controlling the regulation of two window panels from a commonregulator various problems are encountered which are not present withthe more conventional single window panel regulator operation. Forinstance, in an arrangement whereby a regulator controls a single windowpanel, lockingof the window in the closed position is achieved merely bycranking the window regulator to the full up condition. If the windowpanel vibrates downward slightly, the desired fully closed condition canbe reachieved by crank handle operation. However, in a multiple stageregulator where sequential operation between stages is produced, thelocking of one window panel in a closed condition may not be directlyachieved by the operator if such window to be locked is raised prior tothe raising of the second window panel due to the sequential operationof the regulator. Thus, the operation of two window panels from a commonwindow regulator requires locking and constructional feature uniquelyadapted to operational characteristics, and as existing multiple stagewindow regulator do not comply with present safety and operatingrequirements the regulator in accord with the invention has beendeveloped to comply with present automobile standards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide amultiple stage window regulator capable of operating two vertically'slidable window panels from a single manually operated crank, or motor.

In the practice of the invention a relatively small vertically slidablevent window is mounted adjacent a large primary vehicle window panelwhich is slidablein a plane generally coincident with the plane ofoperation of the vent window. It is desired to regulate both the ventwindow panel and the primary window panel by the same regulator, whichmay be either manually operated through a conventional crank, or maybemotor operated. When both window panels are in the up or closedposition, operation of the regulator in the down direction first fullylowers the bent window, and then lowers the main window panel only afterthe vent has been completely retracted to its lowermost position.Reversal of the direction of movement of the regulator apparatus raisesthe main window panel to the fully closed position, and locks the mainpanel in such closed position prior to raising the vent window from itsfully lowered position. Means are also provided for locking the ventwindow in the fully lowered position during regulation of the mainwindow panel, and lost motion means are employed to insure the propersequence of operation.

The invention employs a gear segment or sector pivotal about an axis ofrotation. A manually rotated crank pinion, or motor driven pinion,meshes with the teeth of the gear sector whereby the gear sector may berotated in either direction of movement by the manual rotation of thepinion, or by the motorized driving thereof. A first lever pivotallymounted upon the gear sector axis has an outer end connected to the ventwindow panel by a conventional track and follower device. A secondlever, also pivoted to the gear sector axis, includes an outer endconnected to the primary window panel through a track and follower. Lostmotion means are interposed between the first lever and the'gear sectorfor selectively establishing connection between the first lever and thegear sector during movement of the gear sector in either directionduring a predetermined arc of movement of the sector. Likewise,additional lost motion means are interposed between the second leverconnected to the main window panel and the gear sector producingoperation of the second lever through movement of the gear sector ineither direction through a second arc of movement.

In order that the primary window panel may be locked in its full up orclosed position, even though the vent window may be partially open, afixed detent is employed as locking structure which cooperates with apivoted locking latch mounted upon the primary window panel lever whichinsures that the desired closing pressure for the primary window panelis achieved at all times. 3

When the vent window is fully retracted it is desired that the ventpanel not inadvertently lift under shock or impact, until raised by theregulator, and locking means are also interposed between the gear sectorand vent lever mechanism to prevent raising of the vent window untilallowed by the regulator.

The lost motion structure interposed between the vent lever and the gearsector includes a third pivotally mounted lever having an abutmentreceivable within a notch defined on the gear sector during pivoting ofthe gear sector through its first arc of movement. In this manner thenotch and the third lever, which is linked to the vent lever,establishes a mechanical drive interconnection between the vent leverand the gear sector during sector movement through its first arc. Thelost motion connection between the primary window lever and the gearsector is incorporated into the locking latch mounted upon this lever,and such structure includes a cam slot defined in the latch receiving acam follower mounted upon the gear sector. The configuration of the camslot is such that the latch is pivoted free from engagement with thelocking detent during the initial movement of the gear sector throughits second arc of movement during window retraction.

The operation of the lost motion means is automatically achieved, andthe locking of the window panels at their selected terminal positions islikewise automatically accomplished without attention on the part of theoperator. The desired window movement and regulation is produced merelyby rotation of the window crank in the desired direction, or actuationof the drive motor, and no special skills are required to produce thedesired sequence of operation, and locking of the window panels.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a multiple stagewindow regulator capable of regulating the position of two window panelsthrough a common actuator wherein sequential window panel raising andlowering may be achieved, and locking of the window panels at selectedpositlons is automatically achieved.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The aforementioned objects and advantages ofthe invention will be appreciated from the following description andaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational, partially schematic, view of multiple stagewindow regulator apparatus in accord with the invention illustrating heregulator structure in the position where both window panels are fullyclosed,

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the window regulator structure, per se,illustrating the vent window lever in the fully retracted position, andprior to release of the primary window panel lock,

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, elevational view of the primary window panellever, detent and locking latch illustrating the latch partially removedfrom the detent,

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the window regulator apparatusillustrating the initial movement of the primary window panel lever, andillustrating its locking latch substantially cleared from the lockingdetent,

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the window regulator structureillustrating the primary window panel lever in the approximate one halfopen position,

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the window regulator structureillustrating the primary window panel lever in the fully open position,and

FIG. 7 is an elevational view illustrating the vent window lever in apartially opened condition, the primary window panel lever being in thelocked condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1 the window regulator10 in accord with the invention is illustrated as associated in thefront door of an automobile schematically represented at 12. The windowstructure is only generally disclosed as it forms no specific part ofthe invention, and includes a small vent window panel 14, and a primarylarger window panel 16. The window panels 14 and 16 are located insubstantially the same general plane, and are movable in a verticaldirection between the full up positions illustrated in FIG. 1, to fullyretracted positions within the confines of the door 12 wherein the upperedge of the window will be disposed below the door sill as indicated at18. The window panels are guided for movement within conventionalvertically disposed guides or tracks, not illustrated, and the ventwindow panel 14 includes a conventional track 20 of the known U- shapedtransverse cross-sectional configuration for receiving the roller orfollower mounted upon the window regulator lever. The primary windowpanel 16 also includes a like track 22 for receiving its associatedwindow regulator lever, and the path of movement and the lower positionsof the panel tracks 20 and 22 are illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 1.When the window pane] tracks are in the lower dotted line positions theassociated window panel is in the fully open or retracted position.

The window regulator 10 in accord with the invention is mounted upon aninternal metal panel 24 located within the vehicle door 12 below thesill 18 as is well known in automobile door construction. The regulatorapparatus includes a base plate 26 attached to the door inner panel byscrews or bolts, not shown, and the base plate includes a pinion gearhousing 28 for rotatably supporting a pinion gear 30, FIG. 5, insuitable bearings. The pinion gear 30 may be rotated by a crank mountedupon the door interior side, in the well known manner, or the piniongear may be connected to reversible electric motor dive means in thoseembodiments wherein window operation is to be motorized.

The base plate 26 includes a pivot axis shaft 32 extending from the baseplate toward the viewer, FIG. 1. The regulator structure furtherincludes a gear sector 34 rotatably mounted on the pivot shaft 32. Thegear sector includes a circumferential portion concentric to the pivotshaft 32 upon which gear teeth 36 are defined which mesh with the teethof pinion gear 30. Thus, in the well known manner, rotation of thepinion 30 by either a crank or a motor will rotate the gear sector 34about its pivot axis shaft 32.

The gear sector 34 also includes a portion in which notch 38 is defined.The notch 38 includes an entrance opening 40, and a portion 42 defininga hook for purposes which will be later appreciated. A cam follower 44is mounted on the gear sector adjacent the toothed periphery of thesector, and a cam surface 46 concentric with the shaft 32 is defined onthe gear sector for locking the vent window in the fully retractedposition as will be later described.

Two window panel operating levers are mounted upon the pivot axis shaft32 for oscillation thereon. The first lever 48 is associated with thevent window panel 14 and includes an outer end upon which the roller 50is mounted for reception within the vent window panel track 20. Thus, asthe lever 48 is pivoted about its axis, the vent window 14 will beraised and lowered in its guide tracks. In a like manner, the primarywindow panel lever 52 is mounted upon the axis shaft 32 and includes aroller 54 received within the window track 22 such that pivoting of thelever 52 will raise and lower the window panel 16 in the known manner.

A bell crank lever 56 is pivotally mounted on the base plate 26 by apivot shaft 58, and the bell crank lever includes a roller pin 60constituting an abutment which is selectively receivable within thenotch 38. The bell crank lever also includes a pivot pin 62 pivotallyconnecting link 64 thereto, and the other end of the link 64 ispivotally connected at 66 to the arm 68 of the vent window lever 48.Thus, it will be appreciated that the bell crank lever 56 is connectedto the lever 48 through the linkage 64 for producing actuation of thelever 48 in dependence upon the position of the bell crank lever. Also,the dimensions between the roller pin 60 and the shaft 58, and the shaft58 and the pin 62, as well as the dimension between the pin 66 and theshaft 32, are such that a multiplication of extent of movement isproduced, i.e., movement of the bell crank lever 56 through an arc ofapproximately 60 will actuate and move the vent lever 48 through an arcof approximately 90.

A latch 70 is mounted upon the primary panel lever 52 and ispivotallyaffixed thereto by the pivot pin 72. The latch 70 is preferably biasedin a counterclockwise direction with respect to rotation about the pivotpin 72 by a spring 74 as shown in FIG. 3. The latch includes a cam slot76 in which the gear sector mounted cam follower 44 is received. The camfollower 44 includes a washer 78 of a diameter greater than the slot 76which engages the latch side adjacent the slot, and the portion of thecam follower within the slot is of a diameter substantiallycorresponding to the slot width. The cam slot 76 includes a circularportion 80 having a radius equal to the radius of the cam follower 44from the shaft 32, and the cam slot further includes a portion 82transversely disposed to the portion 80. The intersection of the two camslot portions is represented at 84.

The latch 70 serves as a lost motion interconnection between the gearsector 34 and the lever 52, and further serves to lock the lever 52 withrespect to the vehicle door structure under certain conditions. Suchlocking is achieved by a detent block 86, which is fixed with respect tothe vehicle door 12. While it is possible to mount the detent 86 uponthe base plate 26, in the preferred embodiment, the detent block will bemounted upon the door structure 12 by suitable adjustable means suchthat the detent may be accurately located. Thedetent block includes atapered surface 88, and an opposed positioning'surface 90, and acomplimentary shaped notch 92 is defined in the latch 70 for closelycooperating with the detent block 86 in order to accurately and firmlymaintain the lever 52, and the primary window panel 16 in its closedcondition-with a predetermined force. The latch 70 includes an extendedfinger 94 upon which the surface 96 is defined, and the finger extendsoutwardly from the latch for cooperation with the detent block 86 in amanner later described.

Operation of the multiple stage window regulator in accord with theinvention will be appreciated from the following:

Assuming the window panels 14 and 16 to be in their upper or closedpositions, the window regulator structure will be in the relationshipsas represented in FIG. 1. In this condition the lever 52 is locked withrespect to the detent block 86 as the detent block is closely receivedwithin the notch 92 of the latch 70. The latch'70 cannot pivot in thecounterclockwise direction to remove the detent block from the latchnotch due to the presence of the cam follower 44 within the slot portion80, and the detent block 86 is so positioned that the window panel 16will be maintained in its up or closed position with sufficient force tomeet operational requirements with respect to sealing and comply withgovernment safety regulations. Thus, the presence of the detent block 86permits the window panel 16 to be held in the closed position withsufficient force to prevent water leakage past window seals, andrattling or other undesirable vibrations of the window panel will beeliminated.

In the relationship shown in FIG. 1, the bell crank lever roller pin 60is located within the hooked portion 42 of the gear sector notch 38, andthe notch surface 98 will be bearing upon the pin 60 endeavoring torotate the lever 56 in a counterclockwise direction. Such a force on alever 56 transmits a clockwise force onthe lever'48 tending to hold thevent window 14 in its uppermost position as shown.

When it is desired to lower the vent window 14 the operator rotates thepinion gear 30, either manually, or by motor, to rotate the gear sector34 in a clockwise direction. This operation causes the notch hookportion 42 to be engaged by the roller pin 60 rotating the crank lever56 in a clockwise direction. Due to the interconnection by the link 64,the lever 48 is now rotated at an accelerated rate in a counterclockwisedirection which will lower the vent window 14. As will be appreciated bycomparing FIGS. 1 and 2, the arc of movement through which the gearsector 34 rotates to pivot the lever 48 from its fully up position shownin FIG. 1 to the full lower position shown in FIG. 2 may be only in theneighborhood of 10 to 15, while approximately a oscillation is producedin the lever 48. This portion of rotation of the gear sector 34producing operation of the lever 48 is hereinafter designated as thegear sector first arc of movement for purpose of reference.

From FIG. 2 it will be appreciated that as the gear sector is rotatingthrough its first arc of movement to lower the window vent 14, the camfollower 44 is moving through the circular latch slot portion 80.However, as the latch slot portion 80 is concentrically related to theaxis shaft 32 when the latch 70 is in locking relationship with thedetent block 86, movement of the gear sector to produce vent windowoperation causes no movement of the latch with respect to the lever 52.

The crank lever 56 includes a cam follower surface 100 formed by aflange turned inwardly with respect to the viewer which lies within theplane of the gear sector 34, however, interference between the lever camfollower 100 and the gear sector does not occur during the previouslydescribed operation in view of the fact that the gear sector is recessedat 102 FIG. 6, in order to permit unimpeded rotation of the lever 56during vent window panel operation.

When the vent lever 48 reaches its full down position, the roller pin 60aligns with the notch entrance opening 40, and further rotation of thegear sector 34 in the clockwise direction permits the pin 60 to leavethe notch 38, disengaging the lever 56, link 64 and lever 48 from thegear sector. As this position represents the lowermost position of thevent window 14, stop means, not shown, will normally be included in thewindow structure against which the vent window rests, and continuedrotation of the gear sector 34 causes the gear sector cam surface 46 toengage the crank lever cam follower surface 100 and thereby lock thelevers 56 and 48 in this lower position, preventing the vent window 14from moving upwardly, or bouncing" in its guides due to impacts orvibration occurring during the normal use of the automobile. As will beappreciated from the drawings, the cam follower surface 100 is inengagement with the gear sector cam surface '46 at'all times except whenthe lever 48 is interconnected to the gear sector through the associatedlink 64, lever 56 and notch 38.

After the vent window 14 has been fully retracted the second sequence ofoperation begins. The beginning of this sequence is illustrated in FIG.3 wherein the cam follower 44 has moved into the cam slot intersection84 of the latch 70. Upon the cam follower 44 entering intersection 84the cam follower will engage the cam surface 104 of the portion 82 andsimultaneously begin pivoting the latch 70 in a counterclockwisedirection about pivot pin 72 and imposing a force upon the latch whichtends to move the lever 52 in a clockwise direction. Thus, the combinedcounterclockwise direction of rotation the latch 70 on the lever 52tending to remove the notch 92 from the detent block 86, and thetendency of movement of the lever 52 in a clockwise direction permitsthe detent block and the latch notch to be separated which unlocks thelever 52 and permits the main window panel 16 to begin lowering.

FIG. 4 illustrates the position at which the notch 92 has substantiallyreleased the detent block 86 and the cam follower 44 has partially movedinto the cam slot portion 82. Continued clockwise rotation of the gearsector 34 fully retracts the latch 70 to the position shown in FIG. 5,and the cam follower 44 will move to the end of the cam slot portion 82under the influence of spring 74 pivoting the latch. Further clockwiserotation of the gear sector 34 continues to pivot the lever 52 in theclockwise direction as the follower 44 bears on surface 104 lowering thewindow panel 16 to its fully lowered position. The relationship of thewindow regulator components at the fully lowered position of the mainwindow panel 16 is shown in FIG. 6.

It will be noted from FIGS. 4 through 6 thatduring the entire movementof the gear sector 34 through its second arc of movement constitutingthe operation of the lever 52 that the gear sector cam surface 46 isdisposed adjacent the cam follower surface 100 of the lever 56 to lockthe vent window panel 14 in its down or open condition.

When it is desired to raise the window panel 16 the operator reversesthe direction of rotation of the pinion gear 30 to rotate the gearsector 34 in the counterclockwise direction, and the partially raisedcondition is now represented in FIG. 5. Lifting of the lever 52 occursthrough the cooperation of the cam follower 44 with the latch cam slotportion 82, and a positive interconnection between the gear sector andlever 52 is achieved during raising of the window panel 16 due to anover center relationship between the follower 44 and the latch pivot pin72 causing the follower to bear against the end of the cam slot portion82 during lifting. The spring 74 insures that the latch will be properlyoriented to the follower 44 while the panel 16 is in the loweredposition to produce a positive lift on the lever 52 when the gear sectoris rotated counterclockwise.

As the lever 52 approaches the detent block 86 the surface 96 of thefinger 94 will engage the detent surface 90, FIG. 4, and furthercounterclockwise rotation of the lever 52 causes the latch 70 to pivotin a clockwise direction about its pivot pin 72 restoring the lockingcondition between the latch and the detent block 86 as represented inFIGS. 1 and 2. As soon as the latch notch 92 and the detent block 86 arefully engaged, the window panel 16 will be locked in its up positionwith the desired force.

If, after raising of the window panel 16, it is also desired to raisethe vent window panel 14, continued rotation of the gear sector 34 inthe counterclockwise direction causes the roller pin 60 to enter thenotch 38 through opening 40, and the gear sector thereby picks up theoperation of the lever 48. As the pin 60 is received-within the notch 38it engages the notch surface 98 causing sufficient rotation of the lever56 to fully position the pin within the notch, and at this time therecess 102 formed in the gear sector 34 has aligned with the camfollower surface 100 so that counterclockwise rotation of the bell cranklever is possible, as shown in FIG. 2.

As continued movement of the gear sector 34 in the counterclockwisedirection continues, the lever 48 is pivoted in a clockwise directionraising the vent window panel 14 to the closed condition shown in FIG.1, and upon the vent window being fully raised the window regulatoroperation is stopped.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that two separateand distinct stages of operation are produced each time the gear sector34 is moved through its complete cycle of oscillation in eitherdirection. The lost motion interconnection between the lever 48 and thegear sector 34 insures that the window 14 will only be operated duringmovement of the gear sector through its first arc of movement, and theconfiguration of the latch cam slot 76, and the use of the latch as alocking element cooperating with detent block 86, insures that the lever52 will not move until the vent window operation is completelyterminated and the gear sector moves into its second arc of movementoperating the primary window panel.

During rotation of the gear sector through its second arc of movementthe sector is disconnected from the lever 48 except with respect to thelocking action produced by cam surface 46 and cam follower surface 100which prevents lifting of the vent window.

Locking of the vent window in its open position, and locking of theprimary window panel 16 in its upper position is automatically achievedby the window regulator requiring no attention by the operator. Byaccurately positioning the detent block 86 a closing force of relativelyhigh magnitude may be maintained upon the window panel 16 withoutrequiring excessive forces being imposed upon the window regulator dueto the mechanical advantages existing within the cam slot portion 80with respect to the tendency to pivot the latch upon the lever 52 due toforces imposed thereon through the detent block.

It is appreciated that various modifications to the inventive conceptmay be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit of the invention.

I claim:

l. A multi-stage automobile window regulator for sequentially operatinga pair of slidable window panels comprising, in combination, first andsecond window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fullyclosed positions, an actuating member pivotally mounted upon an axis forselective rotation in window panel opening and closing directions andhaving first and second arcs of movement, a first pivotally mountedlever connected to said first window panel pivotal between window openand closed positions, first lost motion means operatively connectingsaid first lever to said actuating'member during pivoting of said memberthrough said first arc of movement, a second pivotally mounted leverconnected to said second window panel pivotal between window open andclosed positions, second lo'st motion means operatively connecting saidsecond lever to said actuating member during pivoting of said actuatingmember through said second arc of movement, and first locking meanslocking said second lever in its window closed position during allpositions of said actuating member within said first arc of movement.

2. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 1, secondlocking means connected to said first lever locking said first lever inits window open position during rotation of said actuating memberthrough said second arc of movement.

3. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 whereinsaid first locking means comprises a detent fixed with respect to saidactuating member and said second lever, and a pivotally mounted latchmounted on said second lever selectively lockingly cooperating with saiddetent during positioning of said actuating member in said first are ofmovement.

4. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 3, a camsurface defined on said latch and a cam follower mounted on saidactuating member and engaging said cam surface during movement of saidactuating member in said second arc of movement disengaging said latchfrom said detent.

5. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 1, whereinsaid first lost motion means includes movement multiplication meansinterposed between said actuating member and said first lever.

6. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 whereinsaid actuating member comprises a gear sector having gear teeth, piniongear drive means meshing with said gear teeth for pivoting said gearsector about said axis, said first and second levers being pivotallymounted on the gear sector axis.

7. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 6 whereinsaid first lost motion means includes a notch defined in said gearsector, a pivotally mounted third lever linked to said first leverhaving an abutment defined thereon, said abutment being received withinsaid notch during pivoting of said gear sector through said first arc ofmovement to actuate said first lever and removed from said notch duringpivoting of said gear sector through said second arc of movement.

8. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 2 whereinsaid first lost motion means includes a notch defined in said actuatingmember, a pivotally mounted third lever linked to said first leverhaving an abutment defined thereon, said abutment being received withinsaid notch during pivoting of said actuating member through said firstare of movement to actuate said first lever and removed from said notchduring pivoting of said actuating member through said second arc ofmovement, said second locking means comprising a cam follower defined onsaid third lever and a cam surface defined on said actuating memberengaging said cam follower during rotation of said actuating memberthrough said second arc of movement to lock said first lever in itswindow open position.

9. A multi-stage automobile window regulator for sequentially operatinga pair of slidable window panels comprising, in combination, first andsecond window panels each slidablymovable between fully open and fullyclosed positions, a toothed gear sector pivotally mounted upon an axisfor selective rotation in window panel opening and closing directionsand having first,

and second arcs of movement, a drive gear meshing with the teeth of saidsector for the selectively rotationthereof, a first lever pivotallymounted on said axis having an outer end connected to said first windowpanel and pivotal between window open and closed positions, first lostmotion means operatively connecting said first lever to said gear sectorduring pivoting of said sector through said first arc of movement, asecond lever pivotally mounted on said axis having an outer endconnected to said second window panel pivotal between window open andclosed positions, second lost motion means operatively connecting saidsecond lever to said gear sector during pivoting of said sector throughsaid second arc of movement, a fixed detent, and detent locking meansmounted on said second lever engaging said detent to lock said secondlever in its window closed position during positioning of said gearsector within said first arc of movement.

10. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 9, firstlever locking means operatively connected to said first lever lockingsaid first lever in its window open position during rotation of saidgear sector through said second arc of movement.

11. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 9 whereinsaid detent locking means comprises a latch pivotally mounted on saidsecond lever having a cam surface defined thereon, and a cam surfacefollower mounted on said gear sector engaging said cam surface, said camfollower and cam surface defining said second lost motion means.

12. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 9 whereinsaid first lost motion means includes a notch defined in said gearsector, a third lever pivotally mounted adjacent said gear sector linkedto said first lever to produce actuation thereof and having an abutmentreceived within said notch during movement of said sector through saidfirst arc of movement, said abutment being removed from said notchduring said sector second arc of movement.

13. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 12, a camfollower defined on said third lever, a cam surface defined on said gearsegment adjacent said third lever, said cam follower engaging said camsurface throughout gear sector second arc movement locking said firstlever in its window open position.

114. A multi-stage automobile window regulator for sequentiallyoperating a pair of slidable window panels comprising, in combination,first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully openand fully closed positions, an actuating member pivotally mounted uponan axis for selective rotation in window panel opening and closingdirections and having first and second arcs of movement, a firstpivotally mounted lever connected to said first window panel pivotalbetween window open and closed positions, first disengageable drivemeans operatively connecting said first 'lever to said actuating memberduring pivoting of said member through said first arc of movement anddisconnecting said first lever from said actuating member duringpivoting of said member through said second arc of movement, a secondpivotally mounted lever connected to said second window panel pivotalbetween window open and closed positions, second disengageabledrivemeans operatively connecting said second lever to said actuating memberduring pivoting of said actuating member through said second arc ofmovement and disconnecting said second lever from said actuating memberduring pivoting of said member through said first are of movement, andfirst locking means locking said second lever in its window closed 15.In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 14, secondlocking means connected to said first lever locking said first lever inits window open position during rotation of said actuating memberthrough position during all positions of said actuating member saidsecond arc of movement.

1. A multi-stage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, an actuating member pivotally mounted upon an axis for selective rotation in window panel opening and closing directions and having first and second arcs of movement, a first pivotally mounted lever connected to said first window panel pivotal between window open and closed positions, first lost motion means operatively connecting said first lever to said actuating member during pivoting of said member through said first arc of movement, a second pivotally mounted lever connected to said second window panel pivotal between window open and closed positions, second lost motion means operatively connecting said second lever to said actuating member during pivoting of said actuating member through said second arc of movement, and first locking means locking said second lever in its window closed position during all positions of said actuating member within said first arc of movement.
 2. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 1, second locking means connected to said first lever locking said first lever in its window open position during rotation of said actuating member through said second arc of movement.
 3. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 wherein said first locking means comprises a detent fixed with respect to said actuating member and said second lever, and a pivotally mounted latch mounted on said second lever selectively lockingly cooperating with said detent during positioning of said actuating member in said first arc of movement.
 4. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 3, a cam surface defined on said latch and a cam follower mounted on said actuating member and engaging said cam surface during movement of said actuating member in said second arc of movement disengaging said latch from said detent.
 5. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 1, wherein said first lost motion means includes movement multiplication means interposed between said actuating member and said first lever.
 6. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 wherein said actuating member comprises a gear sector having gear teeth, pinion gear drive means meshing with said gear teeth for pivoting said gear sector about said axis, said first and second levers being pivotally mounted on the gear sector axis.
 7. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 6 wherein said first lost motion means includes a notch defined in said gear sector, a pivotally mounted third lever linked to said first lever having an abutment defined thereon, said abutment being received within said notch during pivoting of said gear sector through said first arc of movement to actuate said first lever and removed from said notch during pivoting of said gear sector through said second arc of movement.
 8. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 2 wherein said first lost motion means includes a notch defined in said actuating member, a pivotally mounted third lever linked to said first lever having an abutment defined thereon, said abutment being received within said notch during pivoting of said actuating member through said first arc of movement to actuate said first lever and removed from said notch during pivoting of said actuating member through said second arc of movement, said second locking means comprising a cam follower defined on said third lever and a cam surface defined on said actuating member engaging said cam follower during rotation of said actuating member through said second arc of moVement to lock said first lever in its window open position.
 9. A multi-stage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, a toothed gear sector pivotally mounted upon an axis for selective rotation in window panel opening and closing directions and having first and second arcs of movement, a drive gear meshing with the teeth of said sector for the selectively rotation thereof, a first lever pivotally mounted on said axis having an outer end connected to said first window panel and pivotal between window open and closed positions, first lost motion means operatively connecting said first lever to said gear sector during pivoting of said sector through said first arc of movement, a second lever pivotally mounted on said axis having an outer end connected to said second window panel pivotal between window open and closed positions, second lost motion means operatively connecting said second lever to said gear sector during pivoting of said sector through said second arc of movement, a fixed detent, and detent locking means mounted on said second lever engaging said detent to lock said second lever in its window closed position during positioning of said gear sector within said first arc of movement.
 10. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 9, first lever locking means operatively connected to said first lever locking said first lever in its window open position during rotation of said gear sector through said second arc of movement.
 11. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 9 wherein said detent locking means comprises a latch pivotally mounted on said second lever having a cam surface defined thereon, and a cam surface follower mounted on said gear sector engaging said cam surface, said cam follower and cam surface defining said second lost motion means.
 12. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 9 wherein said first lost motion means includes a notch defined in said gear sector, a third lever pivotally mounted adjacent said gear sector linked to said first lever to produce actuation thereof and having an abutment received within said notch during movement of said sector through said first arc of movement, said abutment being removed from said notch during said sector second arc of movement.
 13. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 12, a cam follower defined on said third lever, a cam surface defined on said gear segment adjacent said third lever, said cam follower engaging said cam surface throughout gear sector second arc movement locking said first lever in its window open position.
 14. A multi-stage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, an actuating member pivotally mounted upon an axis for selective rotation in window panel opening and closing directions and having first and second arcs of movement, a first pivotally mounted lever connected to said first window panel pivotal between window open and closed positions, first disengageable drive means operatively connecting said first lever to said actuating member during pivoting of said member through said first arc of movement and disconnecting said first lever from said actuating member during pivoting of said member through said second arc of movement, a second pivotally mounted lever connected to said second window panel pivotal between window open and closed positions, second disengageable drive means operatively connecting said second lever to said actuating member during pivoting of said actuating member through said second arc of movement and disconnecting said second lever from said actuating member during pivoting of said member through said first arc of movement, and fiRst locking means locking said second lever in its window closed position during all positions of said actuating member within said first arc of movement.
 15. In a multi-stage automobile window regulator as in claim 14, second locking means connected to said first lever locking said first lever in its window open position during rotation of said actuating member through said second arc of movement. 